Shin guards are protective gear worn on the lower leg to prevent injuries. In soccer, all players on the field are required to wear shin guards.
Wearing shin pads helps protect the shins from bruises, cuts, and broken bones. Without them, players are at risk of serious injuries from kicks, tackles, and other contact.
It is important to wear shin guards properly to ensure they provide much-needed protection.
They should fit comfortably and not too tightly and should be positioned so that they cover the entire shinbone.
No worries if you’re new to shin guards or have been wearing them incorrectly.
I’m here to help you out with a detailed guide on how to properly wear this gear. Pay close attention to the following steps to ensure you’re wearing them perfectly.
Why Should You Even Wear Shin Guards?
I get it, you just want to have fun playing soccer and not worry about wearing extra stuff.
You might think, “Why do I need to wear a shin guard? It’s not like I’m going to battle!”
But here’s the thing: soccer is actually a bit like a fun war.
Your opponents don’t care about hurting your leg, but their main aim is to snatch that ball away from you.
The primary purpose of shin guards is to protect your lower legs from such potential injuries that can occur during a soccer game.
Here are the reasons:
Compliance with rules: Shin guards are a mandatory piece of equipment in soccer. You are required to wear them in accordance with the rules and regulations of the game.
Injury prevention: They are specially designed to provide protection to your shin bone.
They help absorb and distribute the impact of collisions, kicks, or the ball striking the legs, reducing the risk of severe injuries such as fractures, contusions, or cuts.
Your confidence: Wearing them will give you an extra dose of confidence on the field.
Knowing that your legs are protected allows you to focus more on the game and perform without you think someone might mistakenly hit your shin
Safety for all players: When you wear shin guards, it keeps you safe and helps protect other players too.
They lower the chances of accidental injuries when shins come into contact without protection, making the game safer for everyone involved.
Know Your Size
Getting the right size shin guards is really important.
It helps you play comfortably and keeps you safe from injuries. The size of shin guards you need depends on your height.
As the sizes get bigger, the guards also fit better for longer and wider legs.
| Size | Height |
|---|---|
| XS | Under 120cm |
| S | 120-140cm |
| M | 140-160cm |
| L | 160-180cm |
| XL | 180-200cm |
Buying The Right Shin Guards
First Measure Up Your Leg
To make sure your shin guards fit properly, you need to measure your leg.
If they don’t fit right, it can affect how well you play and even be dangerous. And if they’re too small, they won’t cover your shin properly and won’t protect you well.
If they’re too big, they can trip you off and cause injuries. So, it’s advisable to choose the right size for good performance and safety.
To measure, start two inches below your knee and measure down to just above your ankle’s bend.
This is the area that the shin guard should cover. The length of this measurement will help you find the right size for your shin guard.
Choose The Right Shin Guard Type
There are two main types of shin guards, and they each have their own benefits when it comes to protection and flexibility.
Slip-in Shin Guards: These types have protective plates inside a stretchy sleeve.
They slip over your shin like a big sock and allow you to move more freely, but they don’t offer that much protection. They are usually recommended for players who are more advanced and want more flexibility.
Ankle Shin Guards: These types have a protective plate that straps around your shin and padding that wraps around your ankle.
They provide more protection compared to slip-in shin guards.
They are often suggested for younger or less experienced players who need extra safety. The added padding around the ankle helps prevent injuries in that area.
When deciding which type of shin guard to get, think about your skill level, what you prefer, and how much protection you need.
Test The Shin Guard
When trying on shin guards, it’s important to ensure a proper fit. Follow these steps to make sure your shin guards are the right size and comfortable:
- Put on the shin guards and check if they cover your leg from just above your ankle to about two inches below your knee. That’s the right size for good protection. If they’re too big or too small based on your leg size, find a different pair that fits better.
- Walk around with the shin guards on and see if they feel comfortable. They shouldn’t bother you or make it hard to move. You want them to protect you without getting in the way.
- Try walking and running while wearing the shin guards. They shouldn’t slow you down or make it difficult to move freely. Make sure they stay in place and don’t slide around.
- Try kicking a ball. They shouldn’t stop you from kicking properly or limit your movements.
Wearing Your Shin Guards Properly
To properly wear them, follow these steps:
Put the shin guards on by sliding them up your shin, starting from your ankle.
Don’t forget that the shin guards go under your socks, so hold off on putting your socks on for now.
Center The Shin Pads Properly
Center them on your shin, in the middle of the front part of your leg. Don’t put them to the side.
Make sure they cover your ankle and go below your knee for full protection.
If your shin guards have ankle pads, place them over the bony parts on both sides of your ankle.
Before you continue, check that your shin guards are in the right place. If they’re not, you could get seriously hurt.
Tighten The Straps
After positioning your shinpads correctly, it’s time to secure them with the straps. Most shin pads have straps at the top to keep them in place.
Here’s how:
- Make sure to tighten the straps snugly. They should hold the shin guard firmly on your leg.
- Be careful not to make the straps too tight. If they start to feel uncomfortable or if your foot becomes itchy, swollen, numb, or discolored, it means the shin guards are too tight.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately loosen the straps to prevent any leg injuries.
Tape It
If your shin guards need extra support to stay in place, you can use tape.
Here’s how:
For Slip-in Shin Pads:
- Wrap athletic tape around the top and bottom of the shin pads.
- Make sure the tape is gently tight enough to keep them from moving up or down.
- Test the shin guards by gently pushing them around to see if they stay in position.
For Shin Guards with Straps:
- Even if your shin pads have straps, check if they stay secure on your leg.
- If they move around, you can tape them up like slip-in shin guards.
During Games:
- Carry extra tape with you.
- You might need to replace the tape during breaks or halftime to keep the shin guards in place.
Wear Sock On It
Now it’s time to put your socks on over the shin guards.
Here’s how:
- Slip the sock over the shin guards, covering them completely. The sock helps hold the shin guards in place.
- Choose a sock that fits comfortably on your leg. It shouldn’t be too tight, as that can restrict your blood flow.
- Pull the sock up all the way, making sure it fits snugly. If there’s extra sock fabric that goes above your knee, roll it down to keep the shin guards secure.
Wear Your Cleats
Now, it’s time to put on your cleats.
- Slide your feet into your cleats. Make sure they fit you well.
- When your cleats are the right size, they shouldn’t cause any issues with your shin guards. They should allow you to wear them comfortably without any problems.
What Happens When You Don’t Wear Shin Pads?
Playing without shin pads can be very risky.
Your shins can be easily injured while playing soccer, and without them on, you are exposing yourself to possible injuries that can be very painful and take a long time to heal.
Not wearing shin guards goes against the rules of the game.
Every youth and pro soccer player wears shin guards during games. If you are caught playing without them, you might get in trouble and get suspended from future games.
Whether it’s a game or practice, it’s not worth the risk to play without it
Can soccer shin guards be washed?
Yes, you can wash soccer shin guards to keep them clean.
However, it’s important to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different shin guards may have specific guidelines for washing.
To wash them, you can use mild soap and water. Gently scrub them with a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt and sweat.
After washing, rinse them well and let them air dry completely before using them again.
Avoid using strong chemicals or bleach, and don’t put them in a washing machine, as it can damage the shin guards.
Cleaning your shin guards regularly helps keep them fresh, last longer, and continue to protect your legs while playing soccer.
Do Shin Guards Go Over or Under Socks?
They go under socks!
Wearing them under your socks provides a better fit, ensuring that they stay in place and protect your shins effectively.
Soccer players wear shin guards under their socks for three main reasons:
Rule Requirement: The rules of soccer state that players must wear shin pads for safety. Wearing them under socks ensures compliance with this requirement.
Secure Fit: By wearing shin pads under their socks, players can keep them in place throughout the game. This helps prevent them from moving or sliding down during intense physical activity.
Tradition: Wearing shin pads under socks has been the traditional way for soccer players to wear them. It has become a customary practice followed by players for many years.
Do Goalkeepers Have To Wear Shin Guards?
No exception! Goalkeepers are required to wear shin guards just like every other player.
However, they may choose shin pads that are lighter compared to those worn by field players. This allows goalies to move fast and have good mobility.
Wrapping it up
Wearing shin guards is just a normal part of playing soccer. It’s important to pick a good pair that protects your shins from getting hurt by bumps, bruises, or cuts.
Make sure you choose the right size and type of shin pads and wear them correctly.
This means putting them in the right place on your legs and keeping them in place with your soccer socks.
You Might Also Want To Read This
- Why Is Arsenal Called The Gunners? – The Story 2023
- Why Is Tottenham Called Spurs?
- 4 Effective Ways To Keep Your Soccer Kids Fit & Healthy
- 7 Great Ways To Get Your Kids Prepared For A Soccer Club
